S.191 - Licensing Individual Commercial Exam-takers Now Safely and Efficiently Act of 2025; LICENSE Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.191, the LICENSE Act of 2025, aims to modify regulations concerning commercial driver's licenses (CDL) and commercial learner's permits (CLP). The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to revise specific sections of the Code of Federal Regulations to broaden the scope of who can administer CDL knowledge and skills tests.
Specifically, it allows state or third-party examiners to administer CDL knowledge tests if they maintain valid certification and complete required training. It also permits states to administer driving skills tests to any CDL applicant, regardless of their state of domicile or where they received training.
The intended outcome is to streamline the CDL testing process, potentially reducing bottlenecks and increasing the availability of qualified commercial drivers.
Expected Effects
The LICENSE Act is likely to increase the number of certified CDL examiners and testing locations. This could lead to a faster and more efficient process for individuals seeking to obtain a CDL.
By allowing states to test applicants regardless of their domicile, the bill may reduce travel burdens and logistical challenges for aspiring commercial drivers. This could lead to an increase in the number of qualified drivers available for the transportation industry.
The changes could also affect safety standards if not implemented and monitored carefully.
Potential Benefits
- Increased availability of CDL testing, potentially reducing wait times for applicants.
- Streamlined process for obtaining a CDL, making it easier for individuals to enter the commercial driving profession.
- Reduced logistical burdens for applicants who may need to travel long distances for testing.
- Potential for a larger pool of qualified commercial drivers, addressing potential driver shortages.
- Could lead to economic benefits through more efficient transportation of goods.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for reduced testing rigor if oversight is insufficient, leading to less qualified drivers.
- Risk of inconsistent testing standards across different states, potentially compromising safety.
- Possible increase in accidents if the quality of drivers decreases due to relaxed testing standards.
- Concerns about the qualifications and training of third-party examiners.
- Potential for fraud or abuse in the testing process if not properly monitored.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the US Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. Commercial driver licensing directly impacts interstate commerce by ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of goods across state lines.
The bill does not appear to infringe upon any individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights. The modifications to CDL regulations are within the purview of the federal government's authority to regulate commerce.
However, the implementation of the Act should be carefully monitored to ensure that it does not create undue burdens on interstate commerce or discriminate against drivers from particular states.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).